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BECOME A PRO WITH SIMPLY SCUBA KOH TAO

IDC Program in Koh Tao

Our Instructor Development Course (IDC) in Koh Tao is the gateway to a rewarding career in scuba diving.

Simply Scuba Koh Tao IDC Program Partnership With Simple Life Divers

Course Details

  • Duration: 15 days
  • Price: 41,900 THB
  • Certification: Scuba Diver Instructor (worldwide recognition)

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
  • Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI)
  • Instructor Examination (IE)
  • 25,000THB Materials

We have certified more than  3,000 divers 

master instructor dave webber-min - Edited

4.9

5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

TripAdvisor

4.8

5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

Google Reviews

Become an Instructor in Koh Tao with Simply Scuba

Our Instructor Development Course (IDC) in Koh Tao is the gateway to a rewarding career in scuba diving. Our Course Director Steve has been in the industry for more than 17 years, with more than 3,000 certified students so far. With small group coaching, and world-class facilities, you’ll get the professional training and personal mentorship needed to pass your Instructor Exam and start teaching anywhere in the world.

At Simply Scuba Koh Tao, our Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the essential training program to become a professional dive instructor. As one of the most respected certifications in the industry, it prepares you to teach all core courses—from Open Water to Divemaster—and launch your career anywhere in the world.

Not sure if you’re ready to go pro just yet? If you’ve already completed your Divemaster training and are passionate about teaching diving, the IDC is the next logical step. You’ll gain the knowledge, teaching techniques, and confidence to guide students safely and effectively—under the mentorship of our experienced Course Director, Steve Wright.

WHY TAKE YOUR IDC IN KOH TAO?

Completing your Instructor Development Course in Koh Tao means learning in one of the world’s most popular training grounds. Here’s what makes Simply Scuba’s IDC stand out:

✅ Become a Professional Dive Instructor – Teach courses worldwide, from beginner to Divemaster level.
✅ Train with Elite Instructors – Learn from seasoned mentors with a track record of high pass rates and job placement.
✅ World-Class Facilities – Access our IDC classroom, private pool, and fast dive boats for real-world practice.
✅ Live & Learn in Paradise – Koh Tao offers the perfect backdrop for your instructor journey, with warm waters, vibrant reefs, and an active dive community.

Once you pass your Instructor Exam (IE), you’ll be certified to teach across the full system—and ready to start your career as a confident, qualified scuba instructor.

Ready to become an Instructor in Koh Tao?

Join the Instructor Development Course at Simply Scuba Koh Tao and turn your dive passion into a global profession.

Our Instructor Development Course is a complete training package designed to prepare you for a successful career as a Open Water Scuba Instructor. Whether you’re continuing from Divemaster or looking to refresh your skills, here’s everything that’s included:

✅ Full Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Your program includes both the:

  • Assistant Instructor (AI) course

  • Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) course
    Guiding you through every skill and standard you need to succeed as a dive educator.

✅ IDC eLearning + Course Materials

Access to eLearning, digital materials, and all the documentation needed for the IDC and Instructor Exam (IE), including:

  • Instructor Manual
  • Cue cards
  • Slates
  • Knowledge development presentations
  • Skills evaluation tools

✅ Instructor-Level Workshops & Teaching Practice

Participate in hands-on sessions focused on:

  • Confined water skills
  • Open water presentations
  • Risk management and safety
  • Student control and briefings
  • Classroom teaching techniques
    All sessions are taught by experienced Course Directors and Staff Instructors.

✅ Free IE (Instructor Exam) Preparation

Get mock IE sessions and exam preparation support to build confidence and ensure success during your real Instructor Exam.

✅ Use of All Required Equipment

All essential dive equipment is available for use during the course. Need your own pro kit? Our team can help you select top-quality gear at discounted prices.

✅ Emergency First Response Instructor Course (EFRI)

Learn how to teach primary and secondary care courses—an essential requirement to becoming a Instructor.

✅ Career Support & Job Placement

Benefit from personalised career guidance, resume assistance, and access to our global network of dive centers actively seeking new instructors.

✅ Free Underwater Photos

We include complimentary underwater photos of your training and dives to celebrate your journey and boost your professional portfolio.

Prerequisites for Joining the IDC at Simply Scuba Koh Tao

To enrol in the Instructor Development Course, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Hold a Divemaster certification (or equivalent from another agency)

  • Have logged at least 60 dives to begin IDC training (100 dives required before attending the Instructor Exam)

  • Have completed EFR Primary & Secondary Care training within the last 24 months

  • Be medically fit for diving and provide a signed medical statement within the past 12 months

Not a Divemaster Yet? Go Pro from Zero

We offer Zero to Instructor packages that take you from beginner all the way to professional level, including:

✅  Open Water
✅  Advanced Open Water
✅  EFR & Rescue Diver
✅  Divemaster
✅  Full IDC (Instructor Development Course)

Special discounts apply when you book the full career track in one go. Contact us for a custom quote and timeline!

Already Have Certifications? Save Big

We’ll tailor your IDC package based on your current certification level and experience:

✅  Already a Divemaster? Jump straight into the IDC
✅  Just need EFR or Rescue? We’ll fill in the gaps at reduced rates
✅  Over 100 logged dives? You’re ready to book your Instructor Exam!

Not sure where you stand? Message us and we’ll create the best route to your Instructor certification—fast, flexible, and affordable.

OR GET IN TOUCH

  • Email: Send us an email at info@simplyscubakohtao.com with your preferred dates.

  • Phone: Call us at +66 808 295006 to speak directly with our team.

Why Choose Simply Scuba Koh Tao?
  • Prime Location / Beachfront Dive Center: Beachfront dive center near Koh Tao’s best nightlife, dining, and sunset views, with short boat rides to 25+ dive sites

  • Top-Rated Dive Sites: Discover the rich biodiversity of Koh Tao’s underwater ecosystems, home to colourful coral formations, tropical fish, and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles or even whale sharks.

  • No Prior Experience Required: This program is designed for individuals aged 10 and above, with no previous diving experience necessary.

  • Flexible Scheduling: With daily departures, we accommodate your travel plans, making it easy to fit this unforgettable experience into your itinerary.

  • Experienced Instructors: Our team of certified PADI professionals ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.

  • Small Group Sizes: We maintain low student-to-instructor ratios to provide personalised attention.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: Our facilities are designed to accommodate families, making it a perfect activity for everyone.

  • Award-winning Facilities: Two custom dive boats, two training pools, air-conditioned classrooms, and equipment included for safety and comfort.

  • Community Engagement: We actively participate in marine conservation efforts, offering specialties like Dive Against Debris.

WHY IS KOH TAO THE PERFECT PLACE TO LEARN TO DIVE?

Koh Tao offers the ideal setting for your first scuba diving adventure. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, it’s no surprise that diving in Koh Tao is considered some of the best in Thailand. Whether you’re gliding alongside colorful reef fish or catching a glimpse of a sea turtle, every dive is an unforgettable experience.

As a top destination for diving courses, Koh Tao is perfect for beginners and certified divers alike. Our dive trips include renowned sites such as Sail Rock—famous for its dramatic underwater pinnacle and abundant marine life—or Chumphon Pinnacle, a favorite among divers seeking thrilling encounters in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Tao is renowned for offering some of the best dive sites in Thailand, attracting divers from all over the world. Here are four reasons why scuba diving in Koh Tao stands out:

Testimonials

January 2025 | Alex h

Amazing diving school thanks to Meg and Dave. They were really helpful and also really funny and made the whole experience really fantastic to be honest. If you’re wondering where to go definitely go to this school and ask for Dave or Meg to be your instructor, you can’t go wrong.

Dec 2024 | Lotte

Out of all the places to do your open water course in Koh Tao, which are a lot, I am so glad I got to do mine at Simple Life Divers, with Dave as my instructor. During this three-day course you thoroughly learn all the skills that are needed for open water diving. Dave’s patience and laid-back way of teaching really amplified our confidence, which made the experience in general a very positive one. A welcoming community during the dives and outside of it, as we got to join them for Christmas dinner as well. When in Koh Tao, I’d definitely recommend starting or continuing diving as the diving sites are absolutely stunning and the crew of Simple Life Divers so supportive, an unbeatable combination.

Dec 2024 | Sean V
There’s an overwhelming number of options when choosing a diving school on Koh Tao, but these guys were seriously awesome! Dave was an amazing instructor with a perfect blend of fun but knowledgeable. The group size was also fantastic. Can’t recommend enough!
Nov 2024 | Anna M
Nailed my OWD course with Dave and I couldn’t be happier about it. Classes were focused on mastering practical skills with a lot of advice, attention, comfort and care. Thanks for all the support and encouragement provided – I have felt so safe and seen, Dave and Nathan were always there for me whenever I had any doubts or needed extra assistance. Proud to be a part of divers’ community since today!
April 2025 | Cruiser18442934740

I did my Open Water and Advanced Scuba Diving Certifications back-to-back with Dave as my instructor. The whole time he made me feel super safe and confident in everything I was doing, whilst also being such a good laugh. I learnt so much from him, he’s so knowledgeable in the industry, and he really tried to impart as much of that knowledge as possible. He made the experience so enjoyable for the group.

It’s quite nerve-wracking being a new diver, but all the Simple Life Divers are so friendly and helpful whether it’s in the dive shop or out on the water. I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Billy, in particular, who helped out on both my courses.

I really recommend Simple Life as the dive shop of choice in Koh Tao.

March 2025 | Sophie D

Had a great time with Dave doing my open water course. Never dived before, everyone was very nice and welcoming and made me feel comfortable in the water. Very relaxed, great dive sites, highly recommend!

March 2025 | Dreamer30663427746

My Instructor Dave was funny and knowledgable as always, did my Open water diver last year and came back this time to do the Advanced course. Cant do much wrong booking here.

March 2025 | Albert C

Just finished my open water qualification with Simple Life Divers! – My instructor Dave Webber is a class act. Great banter, very knowledgable and easy to learn from! I originally discovered Simple Life via word of mouth (friend at home) and can safely say anyone who wants to learn scuba on Koh Tao this is the only place you need to go to.

March 2025 | Olivia W

The experience was nothing short of phenomenal, not just because of the beautiful reefs of Koh Tao, but our instructors Dave and Jake. Both created a super safe space for learning and asking questions. Dave’s delivery of the course was beyond expectations and supplemented by his wealth of experience, having been diving for 32 years all over the world. He prioritizes safety in his teaching and during training dives, frequently checking in with each student and taking the time to thoroughly explain tough concepts or key points. I’d come all the way back to Koh Tao from Canada to do my advanced level cert just because of Dave, he’s an absolute legend.

March 2025 | Tessa L

With so many dive schools on the island, I took my time and visited six different ones to find the perfect fit. I wanted not just a professional and safe diving school, but also a place where I would feel comfortable and supported.

What made this experience truly special was the way Dave and Jake shared their passion for diving with such patience and enthusiasm. They created a relaxed and supportive learning environment where I felt completely safe and confident in the water. Taking my first breath underwater and floating among the stunning marine life of Koh Tao was absolutely magical.

Frequently asked questions

At Simply Scuba, our IDC runs for 12–14 days, followed by a 2-day Instructor Exam (IE). We also offer optional pre-IDC prep workshops if you’d like to refresh your dive skills before starting.

Yes. You’ll need to be a certified Divemaster (or equivalent) with at least 60 logged dives to begin. You’ll need 100 dives by the time you attend the Instructor Exam. If you’re not quite there, we can help you get the dives you need!

Our comprehensive IDC includes:

✅  All IDC academic and practical training
✅  PADI IDC eLearning and course materials
✅  Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) course
✅  Mock exams and full Instructor Exam prep
✅  Use of all dive equipment
✅  Job placement support and career guidance
✅  Free underwater photos during your training

With our experienced team and thorough preparation, most of our candidates pass on their first attempt. We guide you every step of the way with practice exams and personal coaching to make sure you’re ready and confident.

You’ll spend your days mixing classroom sessions, confined water presentations, dive theory, skill practice, and group feedback. It’s full-on—but incredibly rewarding and fun.

Yes! As an Instructor, you’ll be able to work at dive shops, resorts, and liveaboards all over the world. We also help with local job placement, resume advice, and introductions to our network of dive operators here on Koh Tao and beyond.

Of course. Many of our IDC candidates do a refresher dive or pre-IDC workshop to rebuild confidence. We’re here to support you, no matter how long it’s been since your last dive.

We provide all required equipment for your IDC. That said, many instructors prefer to own their own professional gear. If you’re looking to invest in your kit, we’ll help you choose high-quality gear at great prices.

Our pricing depends on your current certification level and whether you need the full package or just the IDC itself. Contact us for a personalised quote—we’ll make sure you get the best value based on your needs.

Contact

Need help? Call us or message us (WhatsApp)

+66 808 295006


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